“I’m not a political person,” said DeGeneres, who is a lesbian and has long been an advocate for LGBT rights. “I’m really not, but this is not politics. This is human rights.”

“If you’re in Mississippi or North Carolina or anywhere, and you’re saddened by the fact that people are judging you based on who you love, don’t lose hope,” said DeGeneres, who grew up in neighboring Louisiana. “I was fired for being gay, and I know what it feels like. I lost everything, but look at me now. I could buy that governor’s mansion, flip it and make a $7 million profit.”